Movie

The Formula

“Big Oil. Big Money. Big Mystery. Everyone’s out to make a killing.”

★ 5.6(49)19801h 57m

The Formula is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home in United States. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there yet. Availability checked 20 June 2026.

Where to watch The Formula

🇺🇸 United States

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Good to know

Director: John G. Avildsen
Release date: 1980-12-19
Runtime: 1h 57m
Language: German
Box office: $8,894,289
Budget: $13,200,000
Status: Released
Country: Germany
Studio: CIP Filmproduktion GmbH

The Formula — trailer

About The Formula

The Formula is a 1980 movie in the Thriller, Mystery and Crime genres, directed by John G. Avildsen, starring George C. Scott, Marlon Brando and Marthe Keller. It has a runtime of 1 hour 57 minutes. It holds an average rating of 5.6/10 from 49 viewers. Below you can see where to watch The Formula in United States — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

While investigating the death of a friend and fellow cop, Los Angeles police officer Barney Caine stumbles across evidence that Nazis created a synthetic alternative to gasoline during World War II. This revelation has the potential to end the established global oil industry, making the formula a very valuable and dangerous piece of information. Eventually, Caine must contend with oil tycoon Adam Steiffel, who clearly has his own agenda regarding the formula.

Cast

George C. Scott

Barney Caine

Marlon Brando

Adam Steiffel

Marthe Keller

Lisa

John Gielgud

Dr. Abraham Esau

G.D. Spradlin

Arthur Clements

Beatrice Straight

Kay Neeley

Richard Lynch

General Helmut Kladen / Frank Tedesco

John van Dreelen

Hans Lehman

Robin Clarke

Major Tom Neeley

Ike Eisenmann

Tony

Marshall Thompson

Geologist #1

Dieter Schidor

Assassin

Themes & keywords

espionagebig oilinternational intrigue

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The Formula in United States?+

In United States, The Formula is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there right now.

Is The Formula on Netflix?+

The Formula is not on Netflix in United States right now.

How long is The Formula?+

The Formula has a runtime of 1 hour 57 minutes (117 minutes).

Who stars in The Formula?+

The Formula stars George C. Scott, Marlon Brando, Marthe Keller, John Gielgud and G.D. Spradlin.

When did The Formula come out?+

The Formula is a 1980 movie directed by John G. Avildsen.

What genre is The Formula?+

The Formula is Thriller, Mystery and Crime film.

Who directed The Formula?+

The Formula was directed by John G. Avildsen.